Strange Popping Feeling When Turning

[willb]

recently i bought a 99 z71. a couple of days ago i noticed a popping feeling in the steering wheel. when i turn. i notice it mostly when i make a complete stop and turn left or if i cruising down the hwy and turn the wheel slightly to the left. i also notice a slight pull to the right when i let go of the steering wheel. it doesn't matter what speed i run. so that's not an issue. any info would be greatly appreciated.

[V-8Fan]

I think you need to get your Z into the shop pretty soon. You've got excessively worn parts in your front end. Repairs of this kind are difficult and really are best left to professionals...you can even be seriously injured if you make a mistake doing this kind of work. And really...wouldn't you rather be sipping a root beer while the work's being done for you?

The best thing you can do is be prepared to put several hundred dollars into this vehicle (an honest mechanic won't put a lot of unnecessary parts on your ride), then once it's in shape, take a little time now and then to keep it that way. Grease the front end and replace shocks when they are worn. Also keep your wheels balanced and front end aligned.

[chakoatee]

I am not sure the other person who responded that you need frontend work is correct. The vehicle is belt driven.. if there is something wrong with the belt, the idler arm or anywhere else along that path, it can produce pulling and vibration when you steer, brake, and accelerate. Everything runs off that belt. Take it to a good mecahnic but don't be afraid. It might be very simple.

Originally Posted by willb

recently i bought a 99 z71. a couple of days ago i noticed a popping feeling in the steering wheel. when i turn. i notice it mostly when i make a complete stop and turn left or if i cruising down the hwy and turn the wheel slightly to the left. i also notice a slight pull to the right when i let go of the steering wheel. it doesn't matter what speed i run. so that's not an issue. any info would be greatly appreciated.

[BOOZER]

G.M. has had a lot of problems with intermediate steering shafts in cars & trucks. There are multiple bullitin's on this, cars have one kit & trucks have there own, it's a grease kit. Not sure on part #, but any chevy or gmc dealer will have them in stock!

[ASToad]

I have a 2000 GMC Sierra and had the same problem. It is very annoying and I would guess a dangerous condition. As someone stated above, there was several service bulletins out on these trucks about the intermediate steering shaft (the shaft that goes through the firewall.....connects steering wheel and underhood parts of shaft). It is covered under a service bulletin so fixing your truck can be no cost to you. However, if like me, I couldnt afford leaving my vehicle at the dealer for a day. I payed around $15 for the grease kit and did the work myself. It only took about 15 minutes and was very very easy to do....only 2 bolts. It always sounded weird to me that all this thing needed was some grease........but hey mine dont pop anymore! Hope this helps

[chuckyknuckles]

Its the transfer case. I have same truck and had same problem. They stated that the fluid they used didnt stand up. They need to drain and refill transfer case with supposed better fluid. High tech stuff they tell me. HAHa